Mamelodi Sundowns to Defend CAF Champions League Title Against Wiliete in Angola BODY: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Mamelodi Sundowns, the two-time African champions, are set to commence their defense of the CAF Champions League title with a pivotal match in Angola against Wiliete.
The South African club was granted a bye in the first qualifying round of the 2026/27 edition, advancing directly to the first round where they will face either Wiliete of Angola or the Foresters from the Seychelles. Wiliete, based in the coastal city of Benguela, has bolstered its squad by signing Angolan international forwards Mabululu and Gilberto. Mabululu returns to his homeland after spells with Al Ittihad in Egypt and Al Ahly Tripoli of Libya, while Gilberto joins from the South African club Orlando Pirates and Luanda outfit Petro.
Sundowns, known for their dominance in the competition, have been relatively quiet in the transfer market and experienced a setback with the unexplained death of midfielder Jayden Adams during pre — season.
However, key players such as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, defender Grant Kekana, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, and Colombian forward Brayan Leon are expected to be pivotal for the defending champions.
The club’s objective is to emulate the achievements of Al Ahly of Egypt, TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Enyimba of Nigeria, and Esperance of Tunisia, all of whom have won back-to-back titles. Esperance, another club that received a bye, will face debutants Asswehly of Libya or KVZ of Zanzibar in the second round.
The CAF Champions League, a prestigious club football competition on the continent, offers a six — million-dollar first prize to the winner. Sundowns and Esperance are among the nine champions vying for the title, which includes clubs like Zamalek and Pyramids of Egypt, ASEC Mimosas of the Ivory Coast, Club Africain of Tunisia, Mazembe, Mouloudia Alger of Algeria, and Pirates.
The first round matches are scheduled for September 4-6 and 11-13, with the second round set for October 16-18 and 23-25. Sundowns are poised to showcase their skills and determination as they aim to continue their winning streak and defend their title in Angola.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Estelle.Bronkhorst
